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CONSTITUTION 



BY-LAWS 



NEW-JERSEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY. 



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WITH THE 



CIRCULAR 



THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 



[Founded February 27th, 1845.] 



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NEW-JERSEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY. 



Newark, May 7, 1845. 

Resolved, — That the Constitution, By-Laws and Circular of the Executive 
Committee, be printed in a pamphlet form under the direction of the 
Secretaries. 

Extract from the minutes, 

JOSEPH P. BRADLEY, 

Recording Secretary. 



OFFICERS 



NEW-JEKSEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, 



18 4#. 



HON. JOSEPH C. HORNBLOWER, LL. D., President. 

ROBERT G. JOHNSON, } 

PETER D. VROOM, > Vice-Presidents. 

JAMES PARKER, ) 

WILLIAM A. WHITEHEAD, (Newark,) Corresponding Secretary. 

JOSEPH P. BRADLEY, Recording Secretary. 

THOMAS J. STRYKER, (Trenton,) Treasurer. 

THOMAS GORDON, Librarian. 



• EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 

DANrEL V. McCLEAN, Freehold, 

NICHOLAS MURRAY, D. D., Elizabethtown, 

WILLIAM B. KINNEY, ? „ , 

> Newark. 
ARCHER GIFFORD, ) 

ELI. F. COOLEY, Trenton, 

RICHARD S. FIELD, Princeton, 

A. BRUYN HASBROUCK, LL. D., New-Brunswick, 

GEORGE W. DOANE, D. D. Burlington, 

ELIAS B. D. OGDEN, Paterson. 



CONSTITUTION, 



ADOPTED FEBRUARY 27th, 18 4 5. 



I. This Society shall be called the New-Jersey His- 
torical Society. 

II. The object of this Society shall be to discover, 
procure and preserve whatever relates to any depart- 
ment of the history of New-Jersey, natural, civil, litera- 
ry or ecclesiastical; and generally of other portions of 
;the United States. 

III. The Society shall consist of Resident, Corres- 
ponding and Honorary members. Resident Members 
shall be persons residing within the State of New- Jer- 
sey, Corresponding and Honorary Members shall be 
persons residing elsewhere: the Corresponding Mem- 
bers being natives or citizens of New-Jersey; and not 
more than twenty Honorary Members shall be elected 
in any one year. 

IV. The officers of the Society shall be a President, 
first, second and third Vice Presidents, a Treasurer, 
Librarian, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secre- 
tary, and an Executive Committee of nine. 



CONSTITUTION. 

V. The duties of the several officers shall be those 
customarily assigned to such officers respectively, and 
shall be defined in the by-laws. 

VI. Resident Members shall pay on their admission 
three dollars, and two dollars annually thereafter; or 
the payment of thirty dollars on admission shall con- 
stitute a Life Member, and exempt the individual from 
all future annual payments : and every person who shall 
have regularly paid the annual fees and dues for twenty 
years successively, shall thereafter be a Life Member. 
But should any Resident Member other than a Life Mem- 
ber fail to pay said annual fees and dues for three years, 
or at any time refuse to pay the same, he shall forfeit 
all the privileges of membership, and his name shall be 
erased from the list of members. 

VII. The annual and stated meetings of the Society 
shall be held at such times and places as the by-laws 
may hereafter prescribe. 

VIII. All members, whether honorary, corresponding 
or resident, shall be elected by ballot. 

IX. Any amendments or alterations in this constitu- 
tion may be made by a majority of votes of those present 
at a regular meeting of the Society ; 'provided, the same 
shall have been reduced to writing, and entered on the 
journals of the Society at the last preceding regular 
meeting. 



BY-LAWS. 



ADOPTED MAY 7, 1845. 



I. Meetings of the Society shall be held on the 
third Thursday of January, and the first Thursdays 
of May, September, and November, at such places as 
the Society may from time to time designate ; at which 
meetings addresses shall be delivered, or historical pa- 
pers read, before the Society, by persons appointed by 
the Executive Committee. At the meeting in January, 
which shall always be held in the city of Trenton, the 
Annual Reports shall be read, and the election of offi- 
cers for the ensuing year take place. In addition to the 
four regular meetings the Society may hold adjourned 
meetings, for the transaction of business, not oftener 
than once in each month ; and special meetings may be 
called by the President or one of the Vice-Presidents, 
on the application, in writing, of any five members. 

II. #*re members shall constitute a quorum, for the 
transaction of business, excepting when any amend- 
ment to the Constitution, or By-Laws, is to be acted on, 
when twenty-five must be present. 

III. The President, one of the Vice-Presidents, or a 
Chairman pro tern., shall preside at all meetings of the 
Society, and shall have a casting vote. 



» BY-LAWS OF THE 

IV. The Recording Secretary shall have charge of 
the Constitution, By-Laws, and Records of the Society. 
He shall keep a fair and accurate record of the proceed- 
ings of the Society in a book to be provided for the 
purpose, and give notice to the several officers, and to 
the Executive and Special Committees, of all votes, or- 
ders, resolves and proceedings of the Society affecting 
them or appertaining to their respective duties. He shall 
give notice of the time and place of all meetings of the 
Society by advertisement two weeks previously, in one 
newspaper printed at Newark, and in one printe'd at 
Trenton, but when special meetings are called, three 
weeks notice shall be given, when practicable. 

V. The Corresponding Secretary shall have the cus- 
tody of all letters and communications to the Society ; 
excepting papers read or addresses delivered before the 
same, which shall be deposited in the Library. He 
shall, at every meeting, read such letters and com- 
munications as he may have received, and shall prepare 
all letters connected with the business or objects of the 
Society, excepting such for the preparation of which a 
Special Committee may be appointed. He shall notify 
all members of their election, and of such other matters 
as he may deem necessary or be directed to communi- 
cate ; and shall keep in suitable books to be provided 
for the purpose, true copies of all letters written on 
behalf of the Society. He shall carefully preserve the 
originals of all letters and other communications*f[e may 
receive, and from time to time deposit the same in the 
archives of the Society. 

VI. The Treasurer shall collect and keep the funds 
and securities of the Society. He shall pay the current 
expenses, and such other sums as may be ordered by 
the Society, or by the Executive Committee. He shall 



NEW-JERSEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY. 9 

keep a true account of his receipts and payments ii 
books to be provided for the purpose, and at each Ja- 
nuary meeting, or oftener, if required by the Executive 
Committee, render the same to the Society, duly audited 
by a Committee to be appointed for that purpose. 

VII. The Librarian shall have charge of all the books 
and other property of the Society, except what by the 
By-laws is committed to the Secretaries and Treasurer. 
He shall provide, at the expense of the Society, under 
the direction of the Executive Committee, suitable cases 
in which to keep all books, pamphlets, manuscripts, &c. 
which may belong to the Society. As far as may be, 
there shall be separate cases for the different depart- 
ments of our history, natural, civil, literary and eccle- 
siastical. There shall also be a cabinet for minerals 
and natural curiosities, medals and American coins, for 
the safe preservation and suitable display of which, the 
Librarian shall, under the direction of the Standing 
Committee, procure proper and convenient receptacles. 
He shall expend in the purchase of books and other ar- 
ticles whatever sums may be placed at his disposal for 
this purpose by the Society or the Executive Committee. 
He shall keep a regular alphabetical catalogue of the 
books, maps, pamphlets and manuscripts, and also of 
the natural curiosities, medals, coins, &c. — a full record 
of all the donations to the Society, with the names of 
the donors, in a book to be provided for that purpose ; 
and shall, at the Annual Meeting, make a full report to 
the Society of the condition and progress of the Li- 
brary and collections. He shall have power to employ, 
at a salary to be fixed by the Executive Committee, 
whenever that Committee shall deem it necessary, an 
Assistant Librarian, who shall be under his direction, 
and who, during the hours in which the Library is open, 
2 



10 BY-LAWS OF THE 

shall be present, whenever the Librarian himself is 
absent. 

VIII. For all donations of whatever kind, the thanks 
of the Society shall be transmitted to the donors, the 
particulars entered in a book to be provided for the pur- 
pose, and a report thereof made to the Society at each 
meeting. 

IX. It shall be the duty of the Executive Committee 
to solicit and receive donations for the Society ; to re- 
commend plans for promoting its objects, and prepare 
business ; and to authorize the disbursement and expen- 
diture of unappropriated moneys in the hands of the 
Treasurer, for the payment of salaries and other current 
expenses. They shall, in connection with the Librarian, 
have charge of the arrangement and regulation of the 
Library and collections, and shall have authority at 
any time to examine into the state of the finances ; as 
also generally to superintend the interests of the So- 
ciety ; they shall execute all such duties as may from 
time to time be committed to them, and make a report 
of their proceedings to the Society at each January 
meeting. They shall choose their own Chairman and 
Secretary at their first meeting after their election, and 
the Chairman shall be authorized to call meetings of the 
Committee whenever it may be thought advisable ; at 
which, five members shall constitute a quorum, for the 
transaction of business. They shall keep a true record 
of their proceedings, to be submitted to the inspection of 
the Society at its regular meetings. 

X. At the regular meetings of the Society the follow- 
ing shall be the order of business : 

1. Reading the minutes of the last meeting. 



NEW-JERSEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY. 11 

2. Reading of letters or a Report by the Corresponding 
Secretary. 

3. Reports of the Treasurer and Librarian. 

4. Reports of Executive and other Committees. 

5. Election of members previously proposed. 

6. Nomination of new members. 

7. Miscellaneous business. 

8. Communications and addresses before the Society. 
This order of business may at any time be dispensed 

with by a majority of the members present. 

XI. The election of members shall be by ballot, from 
such names as shall have been reported upon favorably 
by a Special Committee on nominations, to which all 
applications for membership at the last preceding 
meeting shall have been referred. Five negative ballots 
to exclude. 

XII. No alteration or amendment of these By-laws 
shall be acted on, unless proposed at the last preceding 
regular meeting, and entered upon the journal. 



LtfC 



CIRCULAR 



To the Citizens of the State of New- Jersey — 

Fellow Citizens — You have doubtless been informed, 
through the various channels of public intelligence, that 
a number of the citizens of this state, in the month of 
February last, formed, in the City of Trenton, an 
association under the name of "The Historical Society 
of New Jersey." The object of this Association is "to 
discover, procure and preserve whatever relates to any 
department of the History of New-Jersey, natural, civil, 
literary, or ecclesiastical." 

In the pursuit of this great object we are actuated by 
an ardent desire to promote the intelligence, the improve- 
ment, and the honor of our state. 

Such an institution has undoubtedly a just claim to 
the favourable regard and efficient aid of every friend 
to the public welfare. 

It is in the spirit of this claim that we venture with 
confidence to introduce our Association to the notice of 
our fellow citizens in general, and earnestly to solicit the 
patronage and aid of the enlightened, the patriotic, and 
the learned, in promoting the purpose for which it was 
formed. 

It is well known that a considerable number of our 
sister states have long since anticipated us in the forma- 
tion of societies having the same object as that which 
we now announce. In particular the great states of 
Massachusetts, New-York and Pennsylvania, have 
prosecuted this object to an extent, and with a zeal, at 



14 CIRCULAR. 

once honourable to themselves, and adapted to reflect a 
beneficial influence on the historical interests of our 
whole nation. 

We have reason to know that our tardiness in follow- 
ing their noble example, has been regretted by many of 
our fellow citizens ; and that in taking the steps for 
retrieving our delinquency to which we now call your 
attention, we have given sincere pleasure to a large 
number of the best friends of New- Jersey. 

We are sure that a large portion of the most valuable 
and authentic materials, bearing upon our early history, 
is to be found among the records in the State Paper 
Department of England, then the mother country. So 
highly ar°, these materials estimated by the enlightened 
statesmen of our country, that two of the states of our 
Union, viz., New- York and Georgia, have deemed it 
worth while, at great expense of time and money, to 
commission well qualified agents to cross the Atlantic, 
and explore the contents of those offices, from which 
have been brought treasures amply sufficient to reward 
every sacrifice made to obtain them. A large number 
of the friends of our institution are of the opinion that 
similar measures ought to be adopted by the state of 
New- Jersey, and indulge the hope that the time is not 
far distant when an enlightened Legislature will make 
provision for the adoption of such measures, and that 
we shall reap an equally rich reward. 

But it cannot be doubted by any who know the history 
and character of our public men and measures for a 
century and a half past, that many books, pamphlets 
and manuscripts relating to the history of our own 
state, remain in the possession of our own citizens, who, 
though they would be unwilling to entrust them to a 
single person, would yet cheerfully confide them to a 
public institution, in whose custody they would be care- 



CIRCULAR. 15 

fully preserved, be perfectly safe, and at the same time 
open for the general benefit of society. 

Now it is our object to rescue such documents from 
the dust and darkness of private repositories : to place 
them in circumstances where they will be, as far as 
possible, secured from the corrosions of time, and the 
danger of destruction by accidents : and deposited in a 
situation in which the future historians and annalists of 
our state may find them concentrated for their use ! 

The framing of a full and satisfactory history of New- 
Jersey is an achievement yet to be accomplished. The 
work of Samuel Smith, Esq., a respectable inhabitant of 
the city of Burlington, published about eighty years ago, 
is just interesting and instructive enough to satisfy every 
discerning man, that a work far more interesting and 
instructive, might easily be formed from many rich 
materials now possessed, or which might readily be 
collected, and to which the worthy author had no 
access. 

The late attempt to portray our history, by Thomas 
F. Gordon, Esq., of Philadelphia city, though in some 
respects a decided improvement on its predecessor, is 
still far from being all that we need as Jerseymen. The 
recent historical collections of Messrs. Barber and 
Howe are valuable, but still we have no such history of 
New-Jersey as we want. Nor will such a history of 
our state ever be completed, until a number of materials 
not yet collected shall be brought together, and their 
contents compared with that patient labor and enlight- 
ened discrimination, which those alone can exercise who 
are aware of the difficulties, and know how to appreciate 
the true excellence of historical composition ; drawn not 
from ingenious conjectures and amusing fables, but 
from original words and authentic documents. 

This is a department of human effort in which almost 
every member of the community may render solid. 



16 CIRCULAR. 

assistance. There are few individuals who, if they 
zealously devote their attention to the object, may not 
become instrumental in procuring some book, some 
pamphlet, some manuscript, some relic of antiquity, 
something which will serve to ascertain an important 
date, to establish a contested fact, or to pour light on 
some obscure point in history. 

It will be perceived from the general title which we 
have assumed, as well as from the foregoing observations, 
that our plan includes the natural, and the literary history, 
as well as the civil and ecclesiastical history of our 
state. 

It is not only one of our objects, but a favourite one, to 
collect, preserve and exhibit every thing adapted to 
develope the mineral, agricultural and manufacturing 
progress and riches of the state. As this will greatly 
enlarge our field of labor, so it will bring that field not 
only within the view, but, if we may so speak, to the very 
door of every inhabitant of the state, and give every 
citizen of New-Jersey an interest in our institution. 
And as the due cultivation of this field from its very 
extent will reward the co-operation of many laborers, so 
it is plain that it will be in the power of every adult 
citizen to contribute something to our success. These 
things being so, it is desirable that all the eyes and 
hands in our state should be, as far as possible, set to 
work. 

With respect to our mineral wealth, we have scarcely 
as yet entered on the task of exploring its ample 
domains. 

The contents of every mountain, hill, valley, river 
and field, ought to be carefully explored ; and this can 
be done only by the agency of many hands ; and that 
these may co-operate in this last with any good effect, 
there ought to be an organized body to act, a centre of 
communication to receive, and a convenient and safe 



CIRCULAR. 17 

place of deposit. These our association is intended to 
furnish. But even these, however faithfully devised, 
and amply furnished, will be unavailing, unless discern- 
ing and public spirited individuals will exert themselves 
to collect rare and valuable documents, relics and 
specimens of every kind, to accompany them with 
appropriate descriptions, testimonials, and statements of 
localities, and to forward them to the place of accumu- 
lation. If such a spirit were widely diffused among our 
fellow-citizens, we should not labour in vain. An 
amount of materials might be collected even in the space 
of a few months of the most valuable character, and our 
Association might thus be rendered a public blessing, 
beyond the most sanguine hopes of those who have been 
active in its formation. 

To this efficient co-operation in carrying out the great 
purpose of our institution, we would most respectfully and 
earnestly invite all our fellow citizens. To every one 
who loves knowledge, and who would be glad to make 
the least contribution to the real improvement and honor 
of our state, we would say — turn not away with in- 
difference from us — you can help us if you will : and 
we feel assured that your own interest will be eventually 
promoted by every degree of patronage with which you 
may be pleased to favour us. Despise not the day of 
small things. The suggestion of a single useful thought ; 
the transmission of the smallest valuable pamphlet, 
manuscript or specimen ; the ascertaining of a single 
fact, however apparently trivial, pertaining to our early 
history, may be of great value to us, and will certainly 
he received with gratitude by the Society. 

Jerseymen are not wont to be indifferent to that which 
will promote the interest or honour of their beloved 
state. Let us then, fellow citizens, as true-hearted 
Jerseymen, unite our exertions in this good cause. Let 
•each one bring some portion of the materials, out of 

3 



18 CIRCULAR. 

which to rear a beacon, from whose summit will 
shine another light to guide the future historian, who 
may record the annals of our state. 

We need scarcely say that contributions in money 
will be needed, and will be thankfully received by our 
Association. It will readily occur to every reflecting 
mind, that it will be impossible to carry into effect, in 
an\ efficient manner, the plan of our Association, without 
considerable expense. To erect or hire a suitable depo- 
sitory for our historical treasures — to prepare convenient 
cabinet receptacles, where books, pamphlets, and 
manuscripts, will be safe at once from the corrosions of 
time and dampness, and from the destructive power of 
accidents, cannot be effected without considerable 
expenditure ; but this will be a consideration of no 
moment to those who consider the importance of the 
object which we seek, and who remember the delicate 
caution and care necessary to be exercised in regard to 
perishable papers and books, destined to occupy the 
same shelves, for many years, perhaps for centuries 
together. 

As soon as the wants of the Society and their means 
will permit, a fire-proof building will be provided as a 
permanent receptacle for all the property of the Society, 
where their collections will be as far as possible beyond 
the reach of the destroying influence of time or accident; 
so that all persons disposed to make contributions to its 
library or cabinet, may have the strongest confidence that 
they will be securely preserved. Until this is done every 
regard will be paid to their safety and preservation. 

This circular will be accompanied with a list of 
queries, exhibiting with some minuteness of detail the 
points of inquiry which we wish our friends and corres- 
pondents to pursue. We hope that every inhabitant of 
the state whose eye these queries may meet, will 
consider them as adapted to himself in -particular, and 



CIRCULAR. 19 

will lose no time in transmitting everything, however 
apparently trivial, which may come to his knowledge 
and possession, and which falls in with the objects of 
our association. 

Communications may be addressed to the Corres- 
ponding Secretary, and donations made to any of the 
officers. 



Queries as to those points on which the Historical Society of 
New-Jersey request particular information : 

1. Can you give any information, however minute, 
concerning the origin, original name and settlement of 
any of the cities and towns in this state, particularly of 
your own township or district, and the number, names 
and condition of the first colonists ? or do you know any 
thing especially remarkable in their history, at any par- 
ticular period : or can yon inform us where such infor- 
tion may be obtained ? 

2. Do you possess, or can you put us in the way of 
obtaining any documents which throw light on the first 
organization of civil government in your part of the 
state, or in any other part ; or which will furnish au- 
thentic information concerning the names, general cha- 
racter, powers, conduct, salaries, &c, of the principal 
officers appointed at different times from the earliest 
periods ? 

3. Can you furnish any information concerning any 
Indian tribes, which formerly inhabited any part of 
what is now the State of New- Jersey ; their numbers, 
names, and condition when first visited by the whites ; 
their trades, disputes, wars, and treaties, either among 
themselves or with the white people ; their character, 
customs, and general history, or when they finally dis- 
appeared from the country ; or give any account of the 



20 CIRCULAR. 

adventures of captives, travellers, or voyages among 
them? 

4. What were the Indian names of the mountains, 
valleys, rivers, capes, springs, caverns, or other remark- 
able places in your neighbourhood ? and what do well 
informed people suppose to be the original import of 
their names ? 

5. Can you furnish any laws, journals, copies of re- 
cords, and proceedings of congresses, legislatures, ge- 
neral assemblies, conventions, treaties or negotiations of 
any kind, with any Indian tribes, or with any state or 
nation ? 

6. Can you furnish copies of any orations, essays, 
sermons, discourses, poems or tracts, delivered, written 
and published on any public occasion, or which concern 
any public transaction, or remarkable character or 
event. 

7. Can you furnish copies of any magazines, reviews, 
newspapers, or other periodical publications, particu- 
larly such as appeared prior to the year 1782, or give 
information where they can be obtained ? 

8. Can you furnish any Statistical Tables of agricul- 
tural productions, the births, deaths, diseases, meteo- 
rological observations, or facts relating to climate or 
remarkable seasons, in any part of our country, either 
remote, or recent ; or accounts of any remarkable dis- 
eases? 

9. Are you possessed, or do you know of any docu- 
ments, printed or manuscript, relating to any Territorial 
disputes, or arrangements between New-Jersey and any 
other colony or state ? 

10. Can you furnish any copies of proceedings, either 
printed, or manuscript, of any presbyteries, synods, ge- 
neral assemblies, conventions, or other ecclesiastical 
bodies of any denominations of Christians ? 

11. Do you know of any narratives of missionaries, 



CIRCULAR. 21 

or proceedings of any missionary societies in New-Jer- 
sey, or carried on by citizens of the State or Colony of 
New- Jersey ? 

12. What is the age of the Church, or congregation 
to which you belong ? When was it first or-ganized, and 
by whom ? When was your house of worship built ? 
What changes has it undergone since? What have 
been the names, the characters and the respective 
lengths of the ministry, of your ministers or pastors? 
Did their ministry terminate among you by death or 
otherwise ? 

13. Can you furnish any biographical sketches, me- 
moirs, or notices of any kind, of eminent Jerseymen — 
clergymen, lawyers, physicians, judges, legislators, or 
public benefactors of any class ? 

14. Can you furnish an unbroken list of all the clerks, 
sheriffs, and surrogates of your county? 

15. When was your present court house, and other 
county buildings erected, and where dM your courts 
meet from the earliest period ? 

16. Can you furnish any topographical description, or 
maps of cities, towns, or other remarkable places, exhi- 
biting their condition and aspect, at different periods, 
and relating in anywise to the progressive geography 
of our state ? 

17. Have you ever heard of any papers, or other do- 
cuments, of historical or local interest, in the possession 
of any individuals in your neighbourhood or elsewhere ? 
If so, can you mention the names of such individuals, 
or suggest the means of obtaining them ? 

18. Do you know any instances of remarkable longe- 
vity in your part of this state ? or have you ever heard 
of any still more remarkable, of which you can give or 
obtain authentic information ? 

19. What public libraries have you in the town or 
city where you live ? When were they founded ? How 



22 CIRCULAR. 

many volumes do they contain? And who had the 
chief agency in founding them ? 

20. What were the first articles manufactured in your 
neighbourhood, and when ? What facts can you fur- 
nish respecting the character and progress of manufac- 
tures since that time ? 

21. What information do you possess concerning the 
state of the militia, in any part of New- Jersey, at differ- 
ent times, especially at early periods ; their numbers, 
organization, mode of equipment, &c. ? 

22. Can you give any information respecting the rise, 
progress and present state of the colleges and acade- 
mies in our state ; the individuals chiefly active in form- 
ing them ; the names of the presidents, professors and 
trustees ; the number of their students and graduates at 
different times, and the amount of their endowments 
and revenues ? 

23. Can you give any information concerning the dis- 
covery or working of mines in any part of the state ; the 
commencement of the manufacture of iron ; the use of 
coal; the establishment of navigation by steam in any 
of our waters, &c. ? 

24. Can you furnish any interesting facts in regard to 
the discovery and application of marl ? or of deposits 
found therein ? 

25. Can you furnish any facts or documents concern- 
ing the conveniences for travelling in early periods of 
our states' history ? The progressive improvements in 
roads, and other modes of communication between dif- 
ferent places ? The names of the most prominent act- 
ors in suggesting and constructing the various turnpike 
roads, canals and railroads in the state ? or any re- 
markable facts in their historv, from their construction ' 
to the present day ? 

26. When and by whom was the first newspaper or 
periodical printed in your town or county, and what 



CIRCULAR. 23 

was its character ? Are any of the numbers in exist- 
ence, and if so, can they be had ? and furnish us with 
the history of printing in your county? 

27. What attention did the early settlers in your part 
of the state pay to the education of their children ? or 
do you know any thing of the character, qualifications, 
or labours of any school teachers at that early period? 
What was the origin of the common school system in this 
state, or in any part of it ? Who at different times 
chiefly promoted it ? What alterations have taken place 
in the system at different times, and what amount of re- 
venue has been devoted to the system, at different 
periods ? 

28. Can you communicate any facts which will throw 
light on the state of commerce in any particular part of 
New- Jersey at different times, and especially at early 
periods ? The number of ships belonging to particular 
ports ; the amount of exports and imports for a series of 
years ; the principal articles imported and exported, and 
from whence brought? 

29. Will you have the goodness, in making any com- 
munications to our depository, to inform us as minutely 
as you can, concerning the names, character and locali- 
ties connected with your communication, and very care- 
fully to impart your own name, residence, fyc, so that a 
due acknowledgment may be recorded on the books of 
the Society? 



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